[Sudetenland]

RitaOK, you might investigate that system that's advertised on Rush's program, the Esteem hearing loss system. It is not like a hearing aid and is supposed to restore full hearing ability--what it costs, I have no idea, but I am sure it isn't cheap.

Olepap, spend some money to protect your hearing. Read on the packages of those earplugs and see what their decibel ratings are. Find the highest rated earplugs and use them religiously. I would also add a good pair of muffs as well. You cannot be too careful in protecting your hearing.

Shooting is one of the most common sources of hearing loss, along with loud music and working in an industrial environment--I've done the set and I have some degradation of hearing in spite of the fact that I used hearing protection for work and shooting over most of my years in work. The worst is the tinnitus--I have a low volume very high pitched squeal in my ears, primarily my left ear from a single incident back in my 20's.

Hearing damage is cumulative, progressive, and may not show itself until years later (it has only been over the last year that my tinnitus has shown up).

When I shoot these days, I never go without at least earplugs and glasses--I value my hearing and my vision way too much.

Good luck!

[RitaOK]

We just got the Esteem material! Thanks. However, it is $30,000 per ear and it is so new that insurance does not yet cover it—probably a year or two. It is subject to damage with any head blow of some kind and has a 70% chance of working after implanted in those who tested eligible for the procedure. 70% and $30,000 per ear and out of pocket makes one stroke their beard for awhile first, huh? :)

Thanks. :) Rita